If you prefer to be store-specific, general merchandise stores like Target or Walmart are usually safe because everyone needs groceries and an iTunes card, right?
Gas cards are great for those who have to travel and can be used to fill the car’s tank or the driver’s tank if there’s a convenience store available.
If you prefer to give a gift, practicality will be appreciated by grads and parents as they try to plan for the future.
Some ideas for giving include:
• Tool kit: Buy a pre-made set or create your own depending on the graduate’s needs. Be sure to include a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, an assortment of nails, screws and fasteners, all-purpose glue and the ever-necessary duct tape.
• Laundry bag or basket: Fill the bag or basket with detergent, fabric softener, stain remover and some cash, if the laundry service requires quarters.
• Backpack, messenger bag or suitcase suited to your grads needs.
• Packing supplies for those moving away, accompanied by an offer to help if you live close enough to make good on your offer.
• Dorm-room or apartment-appropriate food such as Ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, microwave popcorn, peanut butter or granola bars.
• On-the-road safety kit that can include jumper cables, a flashlight, batteries, a can of flat tire sealant, snacks, water, reflecting blanket, flares, candles (in a safe container) and matches.
• Desk or school supplies. Although many schools now function mostly electronically, there is still a need for pens, notebooks/binders, printer paper, printer cartridges, post-it notes, dry erase boards and calendars.
• Subscriptions to newspapers or magazines.
• First aid kit: Purchase a well-stocked kit by a reputable source like the American Red Cross. You can create your own or add special items to a ready-made kit if there are specific needs.
• If the grad will be moving on to a place with kitchen facilities, fill a large pan with kitchen goodies like wooden or stainless steel spoons, spatulas, tongs, kitchen shears, a colander, kitchen towels and oven mitts. Add a cookbook or a few favorite family recipes.
• Toiletries or cleaning supplies packaged in a bucket or organizer will be a big help. Who wants to buy toilet paper or dishwashing liquid when there are pizzas and parties to think about?
• A standing offer for care packages as needed. You can send a stack of pre-addressed postcards or give an e-mail address for those late-night cookie emergencies.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.
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